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May 26, 1999] allegiance of citizens is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt
FACTS: with by law."
Petitioner Ernesto Mercado and Eduardo Manzano were both candidates for Consequently, persons with mere dual citizenship do not fall under this
Vice-Mayor of Makati in the May 11, 1998 elections. disqualification. Unlike those with dual allegiance, who must, therefore, be
subject to strict process with respect to the termination of their status, for
Based on the results of the election, Manzano garnered the highest number candidates with dual citizenship, it should suffice if, upon the filing of their
of votes. However, his proclamation was suspended due to the pending certificates of candidacy, they elect Philippine citizenship to terminate their
petition for disqualification filed by Ernesto Mercado on the ground that he status as persons with dual citizenship considering that their condition is the
was not a citizen of the Philippines but of the United States. unavoidable consequence of conflicting laws of different states.
From the facts presented, it appears that Manzano is both a Filipino and a By electing Philippine citizenship, such candidates at the same time
US citizen. forswear allegiance to the other country of which they are also citizens and
thereby terminate their status as dual citizens. It may be that, from the point
The Commission on Elections declared Manzano disqualified as candidate of view of the foreign state and of its laws, such an individual has not
for said elective position. effectively renounced his foreign citizenship. That is of no moment.
However, in a subsequent resolution of the COMELEC en banc, the When a person applying for citizenship by naturalization takes an oath that
disqualification of the respondent was reversed. Respondent was held to he renounces his loyalty to any other country or government and solemnly
have renounced his US citizenship when he attained the age of majority and declares that he owes his allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, the
registered himself as a voter in the elections of 1992, 1995 and 1998. condition imposed by law is satisfied and complied with. The determination
whether such renunciation is valid or fully complies with the provisions of our
Manzano was eventually proclaimed as the Vice-Mayor of Makati City on Naturalization Law lies within the province and is an exclusive prerogative of
August 31, 1998. our courts. The latter should apply the law duly enacted by the legislative
department of the Republic. No foreign law may or should interfere with its
Thus the present petition. operation and application.